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Doggy Haven is proud to be a member of the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA), the global resource for pet care facilities (www.petcareservices.org). As a member, we make a public commitment to quality pet care and subscribe to the PCSA Code of Ethics and the Bill of Rights for Pets in Boarding or Daycare Facilities.
We encourage you to read the following "Let's Talk About..." articles provided by the PCSA:
What PCSA Does for You
Because your pet care provider believes that your pet deserves the most attentive, knowledgeable and conscientious care possible and that your pet care facility should be an ethical, professional business, he or she has joined with other pet care providers across the country who share that belief through PCSA membership.
What is PCSA?
PCSA is the nonprofit trade association for pet care professionals. Founded in 1977, as ABKA (American Board & Kennel Association) by a group of concerned individuals within the pet care industry, PCSA now unites almost 3,100 individuals and businesses providing a variety of pet care services throughout the United States and around the globe.
What does PCSA do?
PCSA is dedicated to upgrading the pet care industry and educating the public about proper pet care. All PCSA members must affirm their commitment to quality pet care, comply with all applicable laws and ordinances, and subscribe to the PCSA Code of Ethics, which establishes standards of conduct in all aspects of their professional lives.
How does PCSA help upgrade the pet care industry?
First, PCSA produces and distributes monthly publications that help your pet care provider keep abreast of the latest developments in pet care and facility management. PCSA also produces and distributes informational pamphlets and brochures and conducts seminars that help educate the public about proper pet care. PCSA’s Web site offers a wealth of information and resources including pet health tips, industry suppliers, contacts with whom you can discuss pet issues, and more.
Second, PCSA maintains
a complete network of national, regional, and area representatives that
provide the pet care provider access to the
combined experience of experts throughout the industry.
Pet Care Services Association
Third, PCSA conducts national and regional meetings for the pet care industry, drawing speakers and exhibitors from throughout the country. Attendees not only network with each other at these meetings, but also hear from veterinarians, suppliers, and the most respected experts in the pet care industry on the most current topics and latest products to improve pet care service.
Finally, PCSA sponsors a variety of professional programs that enable pet care facility operators and their staffs to increase their knowledge and professional competence. PCSA’s three-level education program covers a breadth of subjects from animal behavior and anatomy, to animal diseases and first aid, to personnel and business management, providing the opportunity to achieve the designations of Certified Pet Care Technician, Certified Advanced Pet Care Technician and Certified Kennel Operator. The Voluntary Facilities Accreditation Program requires applicant facilities to meet or exceed over 200 standards of compliance in 17 areas of facility operations. This extensive and exhaustive evaluation process distinguishes participating facilities as having met the highest industry standards.
Look for the PCSA membership certificate and Code of Ethics proudly displayed in your pet care facility’s office. It’s your assurance of professional care by people who love pets as much as you do, and who stand behind the PCSA Code of Ethics.
What does all this mean to me and my pet?
To you, your pet care provider’s membership in PCSA means that you are dealing with a business that is committed to professionalism and a high level of ethical conduct. Through membership in PCSA, your pet care provider demonstrates a commitment to continued service improvement through support of the association’s educational programs and eagerness to be measured by PCSA’s Code of Ethics. If you should ever feel that your member facility has fallen short of this standard, your pet care provider encourages you to contact PCSA for assistance. You do not have the security of this type of public commitment unless your pet care facility is an PCSA member.
To your pet, an PCSA facility means clean, friendly accommodations, exercise, a chance to see other pets vacationing from their owners, and yet enough maintenance of the pet’s routine to be comfortable and relaxed during a visit. Most PCSA member facilities also offer a variety of other quality services, such as grooming, training, and pet supplies.
PCSA Code of Ethics
All PCSA member kennels subscribe to and are governed by the following Code of Ethics. The PCSA Ethics Committee enforces this code and encourages inquiries should these standards not be met by a member kennel.
As a member of PCSA, I recognize that, in order to fulfill my obligations to the animals in my care, to my customers, to the pet care services industry, and to my community, both my business and personal life must be governed by honorable standards. Therefore, I solemnly pledge: 1. To provide conscientious care for the animals entrusted to me, being constantly attentive to their security, safety, and well being, and to place their welfare above all other business considerations. 2. To take every opportunity to learn more about my profession and to improve my services. 3. To deal honestly and fairly with the public, and to avoid misrepresentation of my services. 4. To respect the confidence of every customer served. 5. To place service to my customers and to the pet care services industry above personal gain. 6. To avoid unfair competitive practices, any slander or defamation of my competitors, and actions or business practices that would result in dishonor upon or distrust of my competitors or of the pet care services industry in general. 7. To support my association, its policies and programs, and to participate as fully as possible in its activities. 8. To be respectful of, and to cooperate with the other professions and trades which operate within the pet industry, in every way consistent with my other responsibilities. 9. To obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing animal care and business practices. 10. To operate my business in such a manner as to reflect honor upon the pet care services industry within my local community. 11. To encourage responsible pet ownership, and to promote, especially through the charitable programs of PCSA, an increased public awareness and acceptance of humane and noble animal programs. |
Boarding Your Dog
Today, more and more concerned pet owners are choosing to board their dogs at pet care facilities. Kennel managers who belong to PCSA are professional pet-care providers who make a public commitment to quality pet care and who subscribe to the PCSA Code of Ethics and the Bill of Rights for Pets in Boarding or Daycare Facilities. Their kennels often offer a variety of pet care services such as daycare, pet sitting, special exercise programs, cat boarding, grooming, retail sales, training, and pet shipping.
Advantages of boarding your dog
The vast majority of dogs adapts well and enjoys their stay at the kennel. For some dogs—puppies which have not had their immunizations, extremely old dogs with chronic illnesses, very aggressive dogs, dogs that require medication more than twice a day—you might consider boarding with your veterinarian, asking your pet care provider if they offer in-home care, or using an PCSA pet sitter. Keep in mind, however, that pet sitting in your home, even when it is performed by a trained PCSA professional, does not offer the same level of supervision that boarding does. Furthermore, when you are not at home with your dog, his or her behavior might differ significantly from the normal behavior. For instance your dog might try to “escape” to find you, become destructive to your home, or become aggressive toward the pet sitter.
You should definitely consider boarding your dog rather than taking him or her on vacation with you. Many motels will not accept dogs, and those that do charge extra and become very upset if your dog annoys their other guests. Pets can become ill as a result of traveling because of the frequent changes in water. Many dogs suffer heat prostration while locked in the car when owners go sightseeing, eating or shopping. The national parks have an abundance of lost dogs that somehow got away from their owners and couldn’t be found before the family had to leave for home. Another serious risk is exposure to various parasites and diseases such as heartworm, ticks, hookworms, fleas, and mange.
Selecting a boarding facility
Stop by a boarding facility and visit with the owner. Get acquainted with the people who will be caring for your dog. Ask questions; take nothing for granted. Are toys or bedding welcome? How will your dog be exercised? What will the facility feed my dog? Talk about safety features. Discuss frankly any qualms you may have about boarding. They will appreciate your frankness and interest.
The experienced staff members at an PCSA facility are trained to recognize the warning signs of potential health problems and will contact a veterinarian if they feel it is called for. Many times it is easier for the pet care provider to detect problems than it is for the owner of the dog. A good example is blood in the urine: A warning sign that deserves attention can more easily be detected in the boarding facility than at home because the dog is exercised in a specific area that is cleaned regularly. It is not, however, part of the pet care provider’s job to diagnose or to prescribe. If your dog does require veterinary care while being boarded, you should be aware that you—the pet’s owner—are financially responsible for such care. Discuss, before boarding, any medication or special care your dog might need. Many boarding facilities offer specialized play programs such as playschool and nature walks.
During boarding it is possible that dogs might step in their stools or urine and become dirty. This can happen in the cleanest of facilities. Also, some of the finest disinfectants available for sanitizing are not always the most pleasant smelling, and the odor may cling to your dog’s coat. Bathing or grooming may be a welcome solution. Advise the pet care provider if you want your dog to have a bath on the day he or she goes home. Make certain you understand the rate structure for all services and hours of operation. The fee for boarding includes the care of your pet, as well as the peace of mind that goes with knowing that he or she is safe and with someone you can trust. One standard of measuring the pet care provider’s interest in his profession is his membership in PCSA. You can be certain PCSA members are trying to keep current on the latest developments within the industry and that they truly care. Their membership certificates will be proudly displayed.
A working partnership
When you have selected your boarding facility, keep in mind that successful boarding is the result of the partnership between you and the manager, working together for the best interest of your dog. As a responsible pet owner there are a few things you must attend to before bringing your dog in to board. Make certain all immunizations are current. The manager will be happy to discuss the immunization requirements with you. Your pet should be free of internal and external parasites and not have been exposed to any contagious diseases. Do not feed your dog for at least four hours prior to boarding to minimize the possibility of stomach upset. Boarding is a great alternative, but separation from the family or being in strange surroundings can produce stress in your dog. And stress can result in lowered resistance to disease and sometimes even temporary changes in behavior. Be sure to inform the boarding facility of any special idiosyncrasies or medical problems your dog may have (history of epilepsy or fear of thunder, etc.) that may assist in keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Dogs should be prepared psychologically for boarding. It’s best, of course, to begin with a puppy as soon as the immunization program is complete. (Puppies usually learn very quickly to enjoy boarding.) Some boarding facilities offer daycare services enabling you to leave your dog for a few hours at a time. This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to boarding. After just a few visits your dog accepts a pet care facility as a normal way of life. The psychological preparation of a dog for boarding— and also for helping to develop a healthy personality— includes getting your dog used to new people and experiences (socialization). This is probably most easily accomplished by taking him or her through obedience classes, spending a few days at a dog daycare, and occasionally boarding him or her. Naturally, a dog who is relaxed about boarding is more likely to board well. (A pet owner sometimes needs reminding that it is not beneficial to lament over the dog in the front office before leaving, nor should the suitcases come out the day before the trip—both of these things cause the dog to be unnecessarily upset.)
Understanding the kennel environment
It is important to understand the possible effects of stress on a dog and to do everything possible to minimize stress both prior to and immediately after boarding. Sometimes temporary behavior changes can occur as a result of unfamiliar surroundings. While boarding, your best friend tears up the bed that has been slept in for years. Or “Killer,” that rowdy scourge of the neighborhood, turns into a little lamb. Eating habits change under stress, and a dog assimilates food differently. Some will eat like canaries at home and like vultures at a boarding facility. They may put on a few pounds. Others can lose weight though eating well or lose weight by not eating enough. Life in a boarding facility can be very exciting, and some dogs lose weight because they run the weight off as they charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the facility exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple of days they are home. All of the preparation by the pet owner merely points out that successful boarding depends not only upon the pet care facility, but also upon how well the owner prepares the dog for the experience.
Now that your best friend is home again
When your dog is picked up, he or she will be very excited to see you. Do not feed your dog (though he or she will act hungry after getting back to familiar turf) for at least three hours, and then be very careful not to overfeed. Also, excitement might cause your dog to pant a lot and become thirsty. Give a few ice cubes to hold him or her over until feeding time. Again, in a happy, excited state, excessive food and water consumption can create problems. The vast majority of dogs view their stay at the boarding facility as a vacation. Relax and enjoy your trip.
To learn more about the PCSA and its programs, visit www.petcareservices.org.
